Cheapest places to live in the US 2026

Key takeaways

• The cheapest places to live in the US in 2026 are Decatur (Illinois), Enid (Oklahoma), Weirton (West Virginia), Springfield (Illinois), Mission (Texas), Bay City (Michigan), Pass (Texas), Fort Smith (Arkansas), Anniston (Alabama), and Midland (Michigan).
• The US city with the lowest cost of living is Detroit (Michigan), followed by Cleveland (Ohio), Brownsville (Texas), St. Louis (Missouri), and Wichita (Kansas).
• The cheapest place to buy a house in the USA is Huntington (West Virginia).

1. Decatur, Illinois

Resting amidst the vast plains of the Corn Belt, Decatur offers strikingly low housing costs for expats seeking a high quality of life, including DecBlockBuilder, a government-run program that simplifies the purchasing of city-owned vacant land. 

Lower healthcare costs and cheaper everyday services help residents stretch their budgets further. Once a manufacturing stronghold, the city has since shifted towards a mixed economy led by agribusiness and food processing. 

Population: 70,522

Cost of living: 20.1% lower than the national average

Median household income: US$49,244 (€42,058/£36,433)

Median house price: US$115,600 (€98,732/£85,527)

Unemployment rate: 6.6%

In-demand jobs: manufacturing technician, warehouse worker, healthcare technician

2. Enid, Oklahoma

Enid boasts small-city living with a strong agricultural and energy-driven economy. Median house prices are less than half the US average at US$135,597 (€115,954/£100,360), while minimal property taxes further reduce the total cost of homeownership. 

The city benefits from its role as a regional distribution centre, where goods such as food and fuel are stored and shipped to surrounding areas, helping keep prices stable. 

Population: 50,653

Cost of living: 10.7% lower than the national average

Median household income: US$62,125 (€53,060/£45,963)

Median house price: US$154,900 (€132,297/£114,603)

Unemployment rate: 3.2%

In-demand jobs: agricultural operations worker, truck driver, oil and gas technician

3. Weirton, West Virginia

Enid boasts small-city living with a strong agricultural and energy-driven economy. Median house prices are less than half the US average at US$135,597 (€115,954/£100,360), while minimal property taxes further reduce the total cost of homeownership. 

The city benefits from its role as a regional distribution centre, where goods such as food and fuel are stored and shipped to surrounding areas, helping keep prices stable. 

Population: 18,647

Cost of living: 19% lower than the national average

Median household income: US$59,575 (€50,882/£44,077)

Median house price: US$133,500 (€114,020/£98,770)

Unemployment rate: 4.8%

In-demand jobs: healthcare worker, retail supervisor, energy industry technician

4. Springfield, Illinois

The Land of Lincoln combines its status as the state capital with a modest financial entry point for homeowners. A government-dominated economy prevents drastic market fluctuations while keeping rent and mortgage costs low.  

Plentiful historical sites, such as the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, alongside stunning public parks, offer high-quality leisure and culture without a big price tag.

Population: 112,170

Cost of living: 5.3% lower than the national average

Median household income: US$72,889 (€62,253/£53,927)

Median house price: US$189,800 (€162,104/£140,424)

Unemployment rate: 5.1%

In-demand jobs: government administrator, nurse, transport and logistics worker

5. Mission, Texas

Situated near the Mexican border, Mission thrives as a hub for international trade and affordable homes. Low construction costs and a vast supply of land help keep housing prices low. 

The absence of state income tax allows workers to retain more of their earnings while benefiting from the inexpensive local produce and goods that flow through the Rio Grande Valley. The city's warm climate and status as the 8th-fastest-growing job market in the US further enhance its allure. 

Population: 88,570

Cost of living: 18% lower than the national average

Median household income: US$55,857 (€47,706/£41,326)

Median house price: US$207,800 (€177,478/£153,741)

Unemployment rate: 5.3%

In-demand jobs: customs and logistics worker, healthcare assistant, retail manager

6. Bay City, Michigan

Bay City delivers scenic waterfront living at a fraction of the cost of larger Great Lakes coastal metros. The city's past as a major shipping port leaves behind a wealth of reasonably priced historical homes, along with established road links, rail connections, and reliable power systems. 

The city's economy has recently diversified beyond its manufacturing roots into healthcare, education, and tourism. Seasonal attractions and a growing focus on heritage redevelopment add to its charm without significantly increasing costs. 

Population: 32,320

Cost of living: 18.2% lower than the national average

Median household income: US$49,420 (€42,209/£36,563)

Median house price: US$97,600 (€83,358/£72,209)

Unemployment rate: 6.2%

In-demand jobs: healthcare professional, skilled trades worker, tourism and hospitality employee

7. Eagle Pass, Texas

Positioned along the Rio Grande River, Eagle Pass combines affordable real estate with the commercial buzz of a major border crossing. Strong trade links with Mexico fuel steady job growth in logistics, retail, and transport. 

Budget-conscious expats benefit from affordable everyday goods and a minimal tax burden. Nearby parks, riverfront eateries, and a growing retail sector provide plenty of amenities without the higher expenses of larger Texas cities. 

Population: 28,339

Cost of living: 20.4% lower than the national average

Median household income: US$57,207 (€48,859/£42,325)

Median house price: US$188,000 (€160,567/£139,092)

Unemployment rate: 7.9%

In-demand jobs: border logistics coordinator, warehouse operative, customs officer

8. Fort Smith, Arkansas

Fort Smith blends a rugged frontier history with one of the lowest overall living costs in the southern United States. Affordable homes and inexpensive healthcare, even for the uninsured, allow expat residents to maintain comfortable lifestyles on modest incomes. 

The city supports a diverse economy centred around manufacturing, healthcare and transportation, aided by its strategic location along the Arkansas River. 

Population: 90,517

Cost of living: 23.4% lower than the national average

Median household income: US$60,306 (€51,506/£44,617)

Median house price: US$215,000 (€183,627/£159,068)

Unemployment rate: 4.2%

In-demand jobs: manufacturing operative, truck driver, healthcare worker

9. Anniston, Alabama

Nestled against the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Anniston offers affordable property prices and easy access to stunning vistas and outdoor recreation. Low housing demand and plentiful Victorian-era homes entice first-time buyers. 

The local job market is robust, maintaining a 3.1% unemployment rate that sits significantly lower than the national average. This economic stability, paired with a stress-free 18.9-minute average commute, allows residents to enjoy a high quality of life. 

Population: 21,271

Cost of living: 17% lower than the national average

Median household income: US$46,668 (€39,858/£34,527)

Median house price: US$158,800 (€135,628/£117,488)

Unemployment rate: 3.1%

In-demand jobs: manufacturing technician, military support staff, nurse

10. Midland, Michigan

Midland's small-town affordability couples with a strong economy anchored by science, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing. Housing prices remain moderate despite the city's relatively elevated median household income. 

Despite its high concentration of professional talent, the city offers residents a high standard of living at a fraction of the cost found in coastal tech hubs. The city's long-standing investment in infrastructure and education supports reliable public services and funds world-class amenities like the Dow Gardens. 

Population: 42,724

Cost of living: 14.3% lower than the national average

Median household income: US$73,325 (€62,610/£54,259)

Median house price: US$203,900 (€174,116/£150,855)

Unemployment rate: 4.7%

In-demand jobs: chemical industry specialist, engineer, healthcare professional

What are the best neighbourhoods in Huntington, WV?

The following are some of the best-rated neighbourhoods in Huntington, West Virginia: 

• South Side: shaped around the scenic Ritter Park, the city's best-known neighbourhood boasts a mix of historic homes, plentiful green spaces and accessible routes to the rest of the city. 
• Highlawn: located close to St Mary's Medical Centre and several well-connected major roads, with easy access to shops, schools, and healthcare. 
• Guyandotte: nestled along the Ohio River and reflecting some of the city's earliest settlement patterns, there is a quiet residential feel with a strong connection to the waterfront. 
• Arlington Park: this East End neighbourhood features tree-lined streets and well-established single-family homes, with a stable residential feel and close access to central amenities. 
• West Huntington: an urban area with a mix of housing types, close to the downtown core, providing easy access to shops, services, and transport links.